Review: ROOMS by Lauren Oliver

Title: Rooms
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published: September 23rd, 2014
Series: N/A
Genre: Adult Paranormal
POV: 1st & 3rd, multiple
Pages: 320
Publisher: Ecco
Format: Print ARC
Source: Vine Program
Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf

Wealthy Richard Walker has just died, leaving behind his country house full of rooms packed with the detritus of a lifetime. His estranged family—bitter ex-wife Caroline, troubled teenage son Trenton, and unforgiving daughter Minna—have arrived for their inheritance.


But the Walkers are not alone. Prim Alice and the cynical Sandra, long dead former residents bound to the house, linger within its claustrophobic walls. Jostling for space, memory, and supremacy, they observe the family, trading barbs and reminiscences about their past lives. Though their voices cannot be heard, Alice and Sandra speak through the house itself—in the hiss of the radiator, a creak in the stairs, the dimming of a light bulb.

The living and dead are each haunted by painful truths that will soon surface with explosive force. When a new ghost appears, and Trenton begins to communicate with her, the spirit and human worlds collide—with cataclysmic results.

I've been a fan of Lauren Oliver's work since I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced review of her debut, Before I Fall. Since then, I've devoured all of her books, and happily purchased them so I could savor her writing style. Oliver has a way with words, and the ability to evoke strong emotions through her work. Rooms, Oliver's first adult novel, does not disappoint, but it also did not quite live up to my expectations. 

Told in the first person POV's of Alice and Sandra (ghosts in the recently deceased Richard Walker's house), and in third person POV's from Walker's ex-wife Caroline, his daughter Minna, his son Trenton, and granddaughter Amy. Needless to say, there's a lot switching between characters and POV style, and yet Oliver never lets it become confusing. Each character has their own specific tone, and way of thinking / speaking. And, they each have their own secrets, which are quickly unraveled as the new living residents clear out the rooms of this old house.

Highlights: Evocative and gritty, Oliver displays her characters as who they are - they try to keep up appearances, but underneath, they are broken or breaking. None of them are perfect, and only little Amy seems to be the purest, sweetest of them all. The secrets uncovered at the end were heartbreaking, and made the rest of the story make sense as the pieces of the puzzle came together.

Lowlights: I felt distanced from the characters. I'm used to getting swept up in Oliver's work, so that distance was unfortunate. I know that Oliver can write unlikable characters and still make me care (such as in Before I Fall), but with Rooms, I found myself growing bored with the story and characters. The only reason I didn't stop reading was because I wanted to see how it ended, and because I enjoy the way Oliver writes. 

Rating: The Royal Library, Bottom Shelf (low 4 out of 5). I highly enjoyed Rooms, but I was expecting a bit more from a Lauren Oliver novel. Regardless, this story is definitely worth checking out. 

My Reviews Of Other Works By Lauren Oliver

BEFORE I FALL | PANIC

DELIRIUM | PANDEMONIUM | REQUIEM

I received an advanced copy of this novel for review consideration 
This is in no way affected my opinion of this novel.

Waiting on Wednesday (146): VANISHING GIRLS & ATLANTIA

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

Atlantia by Ally Condie

October 28, 2014 from Dutton Children's

Can you hear Atlantia breathing?

For as long as she can remember, Rio has dreamt of the sand and sky Above—of life beyond her underwater city of Atlantia. But in a single moment, all her plans for the future are thwarted when her twin sister, Bay, makes an unexpected decision, stranding Rio Below. Alone, ripped away from the last person who knew Rio’s true self—and the powerful siren voice she has long hidden—she has nothing left to lose.

Guided by a dangerous and unlikely mentor, Rio formulates a plan that leads to increasingly treacherous questions about her mother’s death, her own destiny, and the complex system constructed to govern the divide between land and sea. Her life and her city depend on Rio to listen to the voices of the past and to speak long-hidden truths.

Sounds fascinating. I enjoy Condie's writing style - very fluid and poetic - so I'm excited for her newest work!

Vanishing Girls by Lauren Oliver

March 3rd, 2015 from HarperCollins

New York Times bestselling author Lauren Oliver delivers a gripping story about two sisters inexorably altered by a terrible accident.

Dara and Nick used to be inseparable, but that was before the accident that left Dara's beautiful face scarred and the two sisters totally estranged. When Dara vanishes on her birthday, Nick thinks Dara is just playing around. But another girl, nine-year-old Madeline Snow, has vanished, too, and Nick becomes increasingly convinced that the two disappearances are linked. Now Nick has to find her sister, before it's too late.

In this edgy and compelling novel, Lauren Oliver creates a world of intrigue, loss, and suspicion as two sisters search to find themselves, and each other.

New Lauren Oliver book? I'M SOLD.


What are you waiting on this week?

Quick Thoughts On The DELIRIUM Pilot

I watched the Delirium pilot on Hulu a couple days ago. The TV show, which was rejected by Fox, is based on Lauren Oliver's Delirium trilogy. I'm a huge fan of Oliver's writing, so I had high expectations. But honestly, I can see why Fox passed on the show. 

Highlights: I liked Emma Roberts as Lena. Jeanine Mason likewise made for a great Hana - she brought the fiery personality, but kept Hana's reluctance to truly rebel. Julian Fineman's addition to the story was actually kind of interesting, although I don't think his character had too much to do. The setting isn't quite what I imagined, but I enjoyed the way everything looked. It was an interesting mix of futuristic and familiar, which works well for the story. 

Lowlights: The pilot episode is the entire first novel, with a little bit of the sequel as well. That's around 500 pages of development shoved into a limited amount of minutes, so it's understandable that quite a lot is lost. While Oliver's novel builds relationships and makes readers care about the characters, the pilot rushes everything. The conclusion is supposed to be heartbreaking (and it is in the novel), but in the pilot, there is no emotion, no grief, nothing. The pacing is too fast, and while I think Roberts and Kagasoff could potentially bring Lena and Alex to life, they couldn't make the romance believable in only one episode. Also, there are some roles that are switched / changed / lost, and I'm not sure how well that would work out in the long run. As a whole, emotion was severely lacking in the pilot, which is unfortunate since Delirium is a story about love. 

Final Thoughts: While I was underwhelmed, I wouldn't mind seeing more of the show (if only to see if there was improvement). Better yet, I'd love to see a completely redone pilot episode that fixes the problems. The source material is excellent, and in the right hands, Oliver's books could make for an interesting TV show. 

Did you watch the Delirium pilot? What are your thoughts? 

Review: PANIC by Lauren Oliver

Title: PANIC
Author: Lauren Oliver
Published: March 4th, 2014
Series: N/A
Genre: YA contemporary
Pages: 416
POV: 3rd person, dual
Publisher: HarperCollins
Format: Electronic ARC
Source: Edelweiss
Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

Everyone at the local high school in Carp, Pennsylvania pays into Panic and keeps their mouths shut about the game – or else. But, Panic is open exclusively to graduating seniors, and only the brave will stand a chance at succeeding. A game that is as deadly as it is dangerously exciting, Panic encourages players to risk everything for a jackpot of $68,000 – the kind of money that can change a life, or buy you a new one. From thrilling cliff-side dives to avoiding a bullet, there's never a dull moment or a shortage of "unintended" accidents. But, no matter who gets hurt or what lives are lost, the game must go on. The game always goes on.

With Panic, Lauren Oliver dives (with quite a splash) back into contemporary YA with this this gritty realistic story. Thrilling, captivating, and fascinating, Panic delves into a dangerous game where participants are willing to do whatever it takes to take home an impressive monetary prize. Friendships are tested, sides are chosen, and manipulation is fair game. But even more, this story portrays various familial circumstances, both heartwarming and heartbreaking. While some of the connections – familial, friendship, romantic – flicker out and fade into darkness, others burn brightly as the story progresses. Panic is an incredible story that will keep you up late at night, anxious, excited, and thoroughly captivated.  

Highlights: I read this novel in one day, completely incapable of stopping myself or my curiosity. The characters, while not immediately likable, proved to be fascinating protagonists¹. The game itself took turns that I didn't see coming, and the ending was certainly a nail-biting surprise. I love how focused this story is on family and friends. 

Lowlights: Certain aspects were very predictable and transparent (Dodge's reason for entering, and another character's role in Panic). 

Rating: The Royal Library, Middle Shelf. Panic is fantastic, worth owning, and has earned a spot in the royal library. I enjoyed this story very much, despite a couple small issues, and would recommend this story to other readers.

1 I'm sure there will be plenty of people who will dislike them, regardless. But, I found them to be realistic - they're not all good or all bad. They have moments of being both. 

Other Works By This Author: 

LIESL & PO (Goodreads)

THE SPINDLERS (Goodreads)

BEFORE I FALL (Goodreads)
DELIRIUM (Goodreads)
PANDEMONIUM (Goodreads)
REQIUEM (Goodreads)

Top Ten Books That I Wish Were Taught In Schools

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish!

1.  DREAMLAND by Sarah Dessen
2.  THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher
3.  CODE NAME VERITY by Elizabeth Wein
4.  BETWEEN SHADES OF GRAY by Ruta Sepetys
5.  BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver
6.  THE MOCKINGBIRDS by Daisy Whitney
7.  THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green
8.  HARRY POTTER by JK Rowling
9.  SPLIT by Swati Avasthi
10.  WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson

I was going to include a reason for each book, but it ended up sounding very fangirl-y, so I'll only say that all ten books are incredible and worth discussing in a classroom setting.

What are your top ten choices?

Waiting on Wednesday (115): PANIC

WoW is hosted by Breaking The Spine

Title: PANIC
Author: Lauren Oliver
Releases: March 4th, 2014

Panic began as so many things do in Carp, a dead-end town of 12,000 people in the middle of nowhere: because it was summer, and there was nothing else to do.

Heather never thought she would compete in Panic, a legendary game played by graduating seniors, where the stakes are high and the payoff is even higher. She’d never thought of herself as fearless, the kind of person who would fight to stand out. But when she finds something, and someone, to fight for, she will discover that she is braver than she ever thought.

Dodge has never been afraid of Panic. His secret will fuel him, and get him all the way through the game, he’s sure of it. But what he doesn't know is that he’s not the only one with a secret. Everyone has something to play for.

For Heather and Dodge, the game will bring new alliances, unexpected revelations, and the possibility of first love for each of them—and the knowledge that sometimes the very things we fear are those we need the most.

A LAUREN OLIVER BOOK, you guys!! I pretty much need this novel, because I usually adore Lauren Oliver's books! At least she was kind enough to read the first three chapters, but that only made me want this story even more...I wish it was March.

What are you waiting on? 

Highlights / Lowlights: REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver

Title: REQUIEM
Author: Lauren Oliver
Series: Delirium #3
Genre: YA Futuristic, Dystopian
Published: March 5th 2013
Pages: 391
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Publisher: HarperTeen
Format: Hardcover
Source: Gifted from family

"Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight.

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor."

Highlights: I highly enjoyed the dual narration, switching from Lena to Hana's perspective gave a nice view of how different life is for both girls. Hana's voice is slightly detached due to her Cured status, so her perspective is a bit more fascinating to me than Lena's. The writing is, of course, as lovely as it always. Oliver has a way with words. I enjoyed the realism; people die and betray one another, and life isn't always perfect or nice for these characters. Life in REQUIEM is raw and heartbreaking, while also being stark and beautiful. All in all, REQUIEM is a vividly and beautifully written conclusion to the DELIRIUM trilogy that some readers will adore while others will struggle with the ending. 

Lowlights: I can enjoy open endings, but I don't think it works well in this book. (SPOILERS-Highlight to read) What happens to Hana after she leaves Fred? Does Fred die or does his house explode? What about Julian? What the bleep happened to Jenny (who was seen once by Hana and then never mentioned again) or Lena's Aunt or Lena's sister? What about the war? Will tearing down Portland's walls do anything to help the Invalids? I feel like Oliver led to me a door and told me to go on inside — but she forgot to give me to the key to unlock it, so I'm stuck twisting and turning the handle to a door that will never open, so I'll never see what's on the other side. Instead of giving answers, Oliver leaves readers with the unsatisfying taste of uncertainty. When I read a series or a trilogy, I expect a majority of the questions to be answered at the end.

Final Thoughts: While I did not love REQUIEM the way I adore Oliver's other works, I do think this trilogy is very worthwhile to read. The writing is gorgeous, but the (lack of an) ending brought the story down a few levels for me. 

Story Rating: 4 out of 5
Ending Rating: 2 out of 5
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5

 

 

Top Ten Books I Thought I'd Like More / Less Than I Did

BOOKS I THOUGHT I WOULD LIKE MORE (BUT DIDN'T)

1.   THRONE OF GLASS by Sarah J Maas: I'm a big fan of the novellas, but the novel let me down a bit. Perhaps I'll like it more when I reread it.

2.   REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver: A good story, but that ending killed it for me. Too little is answered, and I'm still angry at the lack of answers.

3.   BEAUTY QUEENS by Libba Bray: I loved GOING BOVINE and really like the Gemma Doyle books, but this one was only okay for me. Such a shame.

4.   IMPOSSIBLE by Nancy Werlin: I don't think I'm a fan of this author's writing style, because a lot of other people loved this book, and I could barely stand to read the entire thing.

5.   THE BEGINNING OF AFTER by Jennifer Castle: I really thought I was going to love this book, but it ended up being sort of average.

BOOKS I THOUGHT I WOULDN'T LIKE (BUT DID)

6.   THE FAULT IN OUR STARS by John Green: Why did I doubt you, John Green? Excellent voice, lovely writing, and a heartbreaking story. I feel like an idiot for thinking I wouldn't like it.

7.   STORM by Brigid Kemmerer: I normally don't expect much from a novel published by a small press, but this book was so much better than I expected. A few flaws, but such a fun read! Plus, it's filled with incredible characters, like the lovable Merrick boys :)

8.   BLOOD RED ROAD by Moira Young: The strange way that it is written almost made me give up, and I'm glad that I didn't. This book is filled with complex characters and exciting, action-packed moments.

9.   ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD by Kendare Blake: Ghosts, fun friends, gory scenes, and a great MC - why did I originally doubt I would like this book?

10.   WANDERLOVE by Kirsten Hubbard: I liked LIKE MANDARIN, but wasn't expecting this book to be anything special. It was. I adore this book, especially the artwork.

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish
Image from The Broke and The Bookish

The Queen's Library (28)

RISE by Anna Carey (hardcover, unsolicited)
BLOODLINES by Richelle Mead (Kindle, gifted)
WOOL by Hugh Howey (paperback, birthday gift)
HOPELESS by Colleen Hoover (Kindle, purchased)
TORCHED by Andrea Lynn Colt (Kindle, purchased)
REQUIEM by Lauren Oliver (hardcover, birthday gift)
ELLA ENCHANTED by Gail Carson Levine (Kindle, gifted)

UNBREAK MY HEART by Melissa Walker (Kindle, purchased)

Thanks to my family for the gifts and HarperTeen for the surprise review copy of RISE! I'm definitely curious to see how that trilogy ends.

The feature is inspired by Pop Culture Junkie's This Week In Books and The Story Siren's In My Mailbox. The Queen's Library is a way for me to feature books that I add to my bookshelves and a place to post my weekly recommendations. This is not a new meme, but merely an adjusted feature that is better suited to my blog and needs.

Let's Talk: Favorite Book Quotes

Let's Talk is a discussion feature at I Swim For Oceans, where bloggers can share their thoughts and discuss various topics. 

Visit I Swim For Oceans for more info!

What are some of your all-time favorite book quotes?

I love quotes (I'm one of those weird people who constantly quotes movies and TV shows in daily conversation). But, when it comes to quotes, bookish quotes have always been the ones that linger in the back of my mind. These ones are some of my favorites: 

"Don't think or judge, just listen." 

Just Listen by Sarah Dessen

"I solemnly swear that I am up to no good." 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by JK Rowling

"Some things aren't meant to be known. Only believed." 

The Adoration of Jenna Fox by Mary E. Pearson

"So many things become beautiful when you really look." 

Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

"Wishes are false. Hope is true. Hope makes its own magic." 

Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor

"Everyone is alseep. They've been asleep for years.
You seemeed...awake."

 Delirium by Lauren Oliver

"Thinking something does not make it true. Wanting
something does not make it real."

The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin

"It's weird when someone gets you, understands what you
would never say, not even to yourself." 

Split by Swati Avasthi

Image from I Swim for Oceans

Waiting on Wednesday (84) (times two!)

WOW is hosted by Breaking the Spine

The Murmurings by Carly Anne West

March 5th, 2013

Simon Pulse

"After her older sister dies from an apparent suicide and her body is found hanging upside down by one toe from a tree, sixteen-year-old Sophie starts to hear the same voices that drove her sister to a psychotic break."

Not much info so far, but it does sound pretty intriguing. 

Can't wait to see a full summary...

Requiem (Delirium #3) by Lauren Oliver

March 5th, 2013

HarperTeen

"Now an active member of the resistance, Lena has been transformed. The nascent rebellion that was under way in Pandemonium has ignited into an all-out revolution in Requiem, and Lena is at the center of the fight. Of Pandemonium, ALA Booklist noted that 'like all successful second volumes, this expands the world and ups the stakes, setting us up for the big finale.'

After rescuing Julian from a death sentence, Lena and her friends fled to the Wilds. But the Wilds are no longer a safe haven—pockets of rebellion have opened throughout the country, and the government cannot deny the existence of Invalids. Regulators now infiltrate the borderlands to stamp out the rebels, and as Lena navigates the increasingly dangerous terrain, her best friend, Hana, lives a safe, loveless life in Portland as the fiancée of the young mayor. Requiem is told from both Lena’s and Hana’s points of view. The two girls live side by side in a world that divides them until, at last, their stories converge."

I am so excited for this book! The ending to Pandemonium was such torture and I can't wait to see what happens next. Plus, having Hana's POV along with Lena's should be interesting!

What are you waiting on?

Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

Pandemonium
Lauren Oliver
February 28th, 2012
375 pages (hardcover)
HarperTeen
Source - Purchased

I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare,
pushing aside thoughts of Alex,
pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school,
push,
push,
push,
like Raven taught me to do.
The old life is dead.
But the old Lena is dead too.
I buried her.
I left her beyond a fence,
behind a wall of smoke and flame.

After surviving the events of Delirium, Lena is thrust into the Wilds. Alternating between her beginnings in the Wilds and her current ventures as a part of the Resistance, it's easy to see that Lena has been shattered, pieced together again, and rebuilt into a young woman that is slowly finding her strength and her purpose in a very hectic society. But nothing is easy, nothing is what it seems, and not everyone can be trusted in Lena's world.

If you thought Delirium ripped your heart out and stomped on it by the time you reached the breathtaking conclusion, just wait until you read Pandemonium. The pacing starts with an excited rush, and that tension never quite dissipates. Instead, the tension lingers, building and receding until the exhilarating conclusion finally arrives. My eyes were locked onto that final page, and I was silently cursing the fact that I don't have the third novel, Requiem. Pandemonium is chaotic and compelling. You'll never want to tear your eyes away once you begin reading.

Highlights: Pandemonium pulled me in and twisted my emotions around as I followed Lena through her dangerous journey. Lena's world is more fully discovered and developed. Alternating chapters (Now and Then) provided a full view of Lena - Seeing her in both ways was fascinating: from a broken and fragile girl to a strong, determined young woman. All in all, a strong sequel.

Lowlights: Too short of story (especially for Lauren Oliver), so sometimes things felt like they were happening too fast. I was able to figure out all of the surprises before they happened¹. I wasn't fond of the romantic relationship Lena begins to build - I somewhat grew to like him, but not enough to believe in their relationship.

Rating:  

1 Very few books surprise me. But, most "surprises" (like the ending) still made an emotional impact on me.

Images + Summary from Goodreads

Delirium by Lauren Oliver

Delirium
Lauren Oliver
Released: February 1st, 2011
Pages: 448 (hardcover)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publicist & Bought

Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn't understand that once love--the deliria--blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold.

Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Haloway has always looked forward to the day when she'll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy. 

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: she falls in love. 

"Everyone is asleep. They've been asleep for years. 

You seemed...awake."¹

Lena cannot wait to be cured when she turns eighteen. She doesn't want to be affected by amor deliria nervousa, to become infected by love. But when her best friend, Hana, sparks something inside of her with a few words, Lena becomes more questioning and aware of her life. And once she begins associating with Alex, a young man she shouldn't be befriending, everything changes. The day she once counted down to is fast approaching, only Lena isn't so sure she wants to be cured anymore. 

In Delirium, Lauren Oliver introduces Lena and her society in such a way that you can't help but to feel as though you're looking in on a very different yet realistic life. I liked this novel the first time, but fell in love with the story even more after rereading it - this novel really is more stunning than I can convey. The beginning is slowly paced, yes, but it sets the groundwork and helps show the changes Lena goes through more clearly. With a heart-aching romance at the core of Delirium, Oliver delivers an astounding story filled with love, loss, and more than you can even dream of.

Highlights: Love is a disease? Genius. The ending left me in complete shock². Alex and Lena's romance was sweet and endearing. Side characters, like Hana, were nicely written. Lena's character growth was amazing, too. The epigraphs for each chapter gave a more complete view of Lena's society. Oliver's writing is as stunning as ever in Delirium, and this is simply a story that must be read.  

Lowlights: Slow pacing took a bit of time to adjust to, but it's worth it. And the ending! Such torture. 

Rating: 

1 spoken by the oh so gorgeous Alex on pg. 230
2 I'm rarely shocked, yet this ending rendered me speechless.

 

Cover & Summary from Goodreads

Top Ten Tuesday (8)

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books I'd Save if My House Was About to be Abducted by (Mean) Aliens (Who Want My House/Bookshelf)

1.  The Harry Potter series by JK Rowling - I can count this as one book, right? Right??? And if not, then I'll begrudgingly choose book 4. 
2.  Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver - Love, love, love this book. Plus, it's autographed by Lauren and personalized to me. So, naturally, I wouldn't leave this baby behind. 
3.  Daughter of Smoke and Bone by Laini Taylor - Why? Because it's freaking awesome. That's why.
4.  Molly Fyde and the Parsona Rescue by Hugh Howey - Action, adventure, aliens, and it's autographed. How could I not save it?

5.  The Host by Stephenie Meyer - I may mock Twilight, but The Host is actually a pretty good and fascinating story. I'm hoping SM will write another Host book!
6.  A Million Suns by Beth Revis - Autographed and personalized, plus it's amazing. And it's set on a SPACESHIP, which is beyond cool. 
7.  The Truth About Forever by Sarah Dessen - It's a comfort read, and I could also never leave Wes behind to be abducted by aliens. He's just too swoonworthy. *swoons*
8.  The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater - Too awesome of a book to let it be abducted by aliens. 

9.  The Mediator series by Meg Cabot - Tough heroine + hot Spanish guy + ghosts. It's a winning combination. I adore these books!
10.  My Kindle - Yes, that's probably cheating, but whatever. At least it's small and easy to transport! 
So, what books would you save?

In My Mailbox (67)

IMM is hosted by Kristi of The Story Siren

***

PurchasedBittersweet by Sarah OcklerBlackbringer by Laini TaylorPride and Prejudice by Jane AustenDelirium by Lauren Oliver (2nd copy)The Key to the Golden Firebird by Maureen Johnson

For ReviewDemons at Deadnight by A & E Kirk (signed!)A very awesome swag package (I'd share some pictures, but I don't want to ruin the surprise for everyone else who might be receiving one)
Many thanks to Alyssa & Eileen! :)
So, what did you get this week? Feel free to leave a link!